White’s comments come during the third lockout of Bettman’s tenure. A work stoppage cost the league part of the 1994-95 season. The last lockout resulted in the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 season.

"The whole process has just been frustrating," White told USA Today. "I think, just where we stand now, you'd think that we're close to making a deal if they're willing to come a little bit our way. It's something that could have been done even in the summer. So it's frustrating. There's just absolutely no need to be missing games and doing this kind of damage."

News broke Saturday that talks may resume Monday in New York. Saturday marked the 63rd day of the current lockout.